Gerard Meagher is a rugby union reporter for the Guardian and Observer. Born in the UK to parents from Ireland and New Zealand, he is happy to switch allegiances whenever suits. You can follow him on Twitter @gerard_meagher

With less than a year to go to the World Cup, Ireland have moved into pole position, New Zealand have slipped off their perch, Wales and England have made useful strides, but South Africa and Australia still have a lot of work to do